I am a serious runner (1200 miles per year) and over the years have collected different water bottles and carriers, which I stopped using for various reasons and just started carrying a cold drink by hand. Then I saw someone running with the Nathan Quickdraw and bought one at my local running store (though the price on Amazon is much less--I just needed it right away). Here is why I am very happy with it.
1. It is much easier to run with a bottle using this carrier because you no longer have to hold it tight, and also don''t have a cold bottle in the palm of your hand (which not only can be uncomfortable, but also warms the bottle up with your body heat).
2. There is an easy to use adjustable strap that goes across the back of your hand, and a mesh palm piece that keeps your hand off the bottle. This entire unit is well constructed and well stitched.
3. The included 22 oz. bottle is not insulated, which means that in really warm weather your cold drink will become warm quickly, even if you start out with it frozen. However, I solved that problem by placing the bottle in the Built NY 20 oz neoprene sleeve (which I have reviewed on Amazon), so now I have an insulated water bottle. Realistically you will only put 20 oz into the included bottle because that fills it to just about 1/4 inch from the top.
4. This has a small zippered pocket which you can use for various things, such as car keys, money, gel etc. If you need to carry your cell phone (I carry my BlackBerry), I recommend the Spibelt (which I have reviewed on Amazon).
5. The bottle is easy to fill, more than wide enough for ice cubes, and has an easy to use spout. I did not experience any leakage at all while running, unlike with some other water bottles. You can also use your own water bottle if you prefer.
Bottom line: I really like this carrier, and prefer it to having something around my waist or over my shoulder. However, everyone has different preferences, so you need to try different things to see what works best for you.
Update June 4, 2011: I now use the Smart Source stainless steel water bottle (which I have reviewed on Amazon) instead of the included bottle. The Smart Source holds 27 oz. rather than 22 oz., comes with its own neoprene sleeve for insulation, and nicely fits into the Quickdraw.
Update August 11, 2011: When I run at night, I clip a flashing light to the top strap of this holder. Even with the water bottle in it, there is room to do so.
Update April 5, 2012: Although this product works just fine, over the last couple of months I started using the Eastern Mountain Sports Espresso waist pack. It is much bulkier, though I really do not notice it when I have it on. Besides carrying my water bottle, there are two mesh pockets (one I use for my iPhone, and the other for cash, gel, etc.). I usually don''t like waist packs for running, but this one feels different. Something to consider if you don''t want to carry your water bottle in your hand.
Update June 10, 2012: In hot humid weather I decided that I didn''t want anything around my waist and have gone back to using the Nathan Quick Draw on runs under 6 miles. I now use it with the Hydroflask narrow mouth 24 oz steel insulated bottle (which I have reviewed on Amazon). However, for longer runs, in order to carry two Hydroflask bottles, I have no choice but to wear something around my waist to carry a second water bottle, and use the Espresso or sometimes the Amphipod Full Tilt Velocity.
I bought this because when I got on long runs on hot days, I got tired of carrying a water bottle. This makes it virtually effortless to carry because you don''t even have to hold on. I love it and I even bought another one for my dad who is also a runner. The band that goes around the back of your hand is very comfortable and stays in place very well. The pocket on the front works great for car keys and is even big enough for my asthma inhaler. Also, the water bottle comes out of the holder very easily and you can use other water bottles with the holder. Very nice for when one is dirty. Overall I have no complaints and it is a great product.
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After trying a different brand handheld that leaked I gave this one a try. Like most runners I need to carry my keys, gels, and some cash. This bottle does the job and does it well. It holds plenty of water, does not leak, and is very comfortable. Most of the time I do not even notice that I am carrying it. For longer runs where I need more gels and a cell phone I also carry a SPIbelt. The pocket is a generous size but it does not hold my cell phone, hence the need for the SPIbelt. I also use it when racing. It can hold 2-3 gels in the pocket. Normally my pocket contains some cash, a credit card and keys. So you can put a lot in that little pocket. This water bottle is very convenient and valuable to any distance runner who does not want to have to worry about hydration. Out of all of the water bottles and hydration systems I have tried this by far is the best.
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I purchased one of these bottles and started training with it after signing up for my first 50K trail run. The bottle is soft, which makes it easy to squeeze and the bite valve is soft, which makes it easy on the teeth. It has a large mouth, which makes it easy to fill and clean. I''ve read some of the complaints about leaking and had some of those issues as well but they can all be fixed. When it leaked at the mouth, the top was on crooked. When it leaked at the bite valve, the valve was twisted in the opening. I would not recommend putting it in the dishwasher since it is so soft, it might melt. I occasionally wash the strap with my other running clothes and let it air dry. The little zipper pouch is great for carrying electrolyte capsules during your long runs or races. No complaints. I like it so much that I bought a 2nd.
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I use an insulated Polar bottle with the handheld. It takes some doing but I use the strap on the handheld to loop through the Polar bottle''s plastic loop to secure it. The insulated bottle eliminates the problem of holding onto something that is too cold.
This is comfortable to carry, even when full, for hours on end. At some point it is easy to forget that you are even holding anything.
My one gripe is with the tiny pocket in the front. My slim cellphone barely squeezes in and I would not be able to carry anything larger. It would be nice to have a stretchy pocket so larger things can be secured.
I''ve been using this product to carry water on longer runs in the sun, and it works great. I was afraid it would ride up from bouncing around, but that hasn''t really been a problem. I''m a guy; I''ve heard that sometimes women have more issues keeping this style of water belt in the right place.
